Poor Air Quality is Here and Severe Thunderstorms May be on the Way

It’s hot. This we know. But there’s even more severe weather expected as the day goes on. 

The National Weather Service is also forecasting scattered showers and thunderstorms for Monday night. These could bring damaging winds and large hail. And of course, heavy rain can flood streams and rivers.

According to NWS, “Thunderstorms [have begun] to fire across NW Penn. this afternoon,” ahead of a cold front that’s on its way. This weather system is expected to reach Howard County Monday evening and maybe continue through Tuesday morning or afternoon.

The cold isn’t expected to provide relief from the heat, however, and temperatures are expected to climb all the way to 100 degrees by Friday, feeling more like 115 degrees with the humidity factored in.

The Maryland State Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert, which means levels of pollution at ground level may be dangerous for people with respiratory problems, the elderly and children. Avoiding strenuous activities, , should lessen the chances of suffering from weather-related illnesses.